Must TasteDeathcake RoyaleThrough 2/14 - Cupcake Royale's lovingly lethal Valentine's Day treat, the Deathcake Royale ($6.65) is back. Made with Theo Chocolate, Stumptown espresso ganache and a decadent chocolate cake, this deadly concoction (which weighs about a thousand pounds) is the perfect sinful gift for your sweetie (or yourself!). Available at all four Cupcake Royale locations (Capitol Hill, Ballard, Madrona and West Seattle; online at cupcakeroyale.com) through February 14.

Last weekend we took the kids down to Pike Place Market and we browsed around. I worked at the Market for years in my early 20s, and used to go down on my days off, too. But I don't get down there as much anymore.

I walk to work most mornings, and today I was peeling layers block by block. Off came the mittens, then the scarf and finally the outer jacket. Dare I say it? It felt like spring and it’s just in time for the happy, springtime hues popping up in stores. Here are a few bright ideas for your wallet, nails, wrists and table (respectively):

Great news, burger fanatics. The owners of Zippy's have been in tough talks with landlords who are out to triple the burger joint's rent. In a recession, that's the kind of hardball that just won't fly.

Take whole spices like star anise, black peppercorns, cardamom pods and whole cloves, buzz them in a small grinder to release flavor, simmer with fresh ginger and serve with honey and milk – you’ll throw back your head and guffaw at the lame liquid you pay $3.50 for at your favorite coffee shop. Ha! This is the real deal. Let Jane show you how. Printable recipe here.

Join Seattle Tilth master organic gardeners this Saturday Feb 5 from 10 am to Noon to learn how you can store and use all the water falling from the sky to help your yard and garden survive the dry spell that comes around every year in July or so. Tilth experts will cover everything from cisterns and rain barrels to swales and rain gardens, as well as mulching techniques and green roofs. The class will consist of an indoor lecture and an outdoor tour, so participants should dress for the weather.

I just got some really tasty good news, and I couldn't wait to share it.
This spring, Delancey's Brandon Pettit, along with friends-who-cook, Olaiya Land (caterer and cooking class teacher) and Brandi Henderson (Delancey's pastry chef), is opening The Pantry in a space behind Delancey!

Capitol Hill’s 12th Avenue is breathing new life into the real estate and food games. Seattlemag.com gets a firsthand look at this culinary paradise in a video tour featuring vibrant new shops and up-and-coming restos. View this video by scanning the tag at right or visiting Seattlemag.com and searching “12th Avenue.”

Must VoteA.W.A.R.D. Show1/27–1/30 (Thursday - Sunday) - Grab your tix quick for the second annual A.W.A.R.D. Show, in which 12 up-and-coming local dance companies compete for a grand prize of $10,000. (See our Spotlight story on page 46.) Just as they say on the reality shows, it’s up to you, America! A series of live Seattle audience votes will determine the winner. 8 p.m. Prices vary. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St.; 206.217.9888; ontheboards.org
MUST FIGAROThe Barber of Seville